By Ryan Bailey

After a miserable run of results, Mathews has stepped down from his post as tension began to run high between the club's supporters and the former Irish underage international

Shelbourne are searching for a new manager after under-fire boss Alan Mathews resigned, the club confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

The 47-year-old came under increased pressure in recent weeks with many fans calling for the club’s board to part company with Mathews after a difficult start to the season.

The Tolka Park side have won just one of their 13 Airtricity League matches this term and are currently bottom of the table.

"Alan Mathews has today tendered his resignation as manager of Shelbourne FC," the club said in a statement.

"The club's board of Management wishes to thank Alan for his tireless work on the club's behalf and in particular for securing the return of the club to the Premier Division.

"The board will now set about identifying a suitable replacement and in the interim Kevin Doherty will take over management of the team."

Mathews took charge of Shelbourne in July 2010 and won promotion back to the Premier Division a year later as well as guiding the Reds to the FAI Cup Final. However, several key players left the club during the off-season as a result of a reduced budget and they haven't been able to replicate last year's form which saw Shels finish a respectable eighth.